Former Union Home Secretary alleges US shielded key 26/11 conspirator Headley

Ahead of Tahawwur Rana's expected extradition to India, former Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai has alleged that the United States acted in bad faith during the investigation into the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and protected David Coleman Headley, the main conspirator.

Pillai stated that while Rana played a minor role in the attacks by providing logistical cover, it was Headley who executed the critical planning and coordination, yet was shielded by American authorities.

Pillai, who served as home secretary during the period of Headley’s and Rana’s arrests in 2009, accused the US of knowingly allowing Headley to carry out activities against India even after being aware of his intentions. He maintained that the US government failed to inform Indian intelligence agencies about Headley’s connections, despite having prior information about his plans and movements.

According to Pillai, Headley operated as a double agent for both the US government and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which enabled him to travel frequently between India and Pakistan without raising suspicion. His American passport and concealed Pakistani identity allowed him to evade Indian surveillance, as he was perceived to be a white American and not seen as a potential threat.

He further claimed that the US deliberately prevented Headley’s extradition to India after his arrest in 2009 by entering into a plea-bargain agreement, thereby limiting India’s access to him. Pillai contrasted this with Rana’s involvement, describing it as relatively passive, mainly facilitating Headley’s travel to India by offering legal and logistical support.